THE PARADIGM SHIFT
Previously
SHGC of the glass and sunscreen devices
U-Value of the glass and framing system
Now
Energy generation
Future
Incorporation of Smart Walls into building information system
Hot water
Heat exchange

Requirements for Net Zero
Multi-trade solutions that incorporate new technologies.

MULTI-TRADE SOLUTIONS
Growing Trend in Multi-Trade Solutions

BIPV Example:

Photovoltaic engineering and design
DC electrical engineering and design
Structural curtain wall engineering and design
Manufacture Photovoltaic curtain walls and rain screens
Installation and final commissioning for the system

Future Possibilities:

Hot water from the exterior envelope
Captured warm air from exterior envelope
LED lights powered by PV on sunscreens
Day-lighting technology included in vision areas
Building controls with smart envelopes, operable windows, sunshades and smart glass
DC lighting solutions to eliminate the use of inverters

VISION vs SPANDREL GLASS
At this time, the cost effective approach to a BiPV curtain wall is to use insulating glass in the vision conditions and photovoltaic panels in all spandrel conditions.
The cost of transparent photovoltaic panels is 8-20 times more than standard utility grade panels.
The performance values drop to 10% of the utility grade panels.
Solution - use Utility Grade panels in spandrel areas and use BiPV sunscreens to improve SHGC and increase surface area of PV on the wall.

GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES AND REBATES

Federal tax credit, 30% of BiPV in first year
MACRS accelerate depreciation, reduces full depreciation time from 39 years to 5 years
Local utilities offer substantial incentives
Energy production for 25 years
100% payback in 24 months